MSc Applied Psychology: Health Psychology and Counselling

Entry requirements:
- University or College graduates holding a degree in Psychology.
- University of College graduates holding a degree on a related Psychology subject.

Requirements for Registration:

• Copy of the latest Degree or Certificate
• CV (in English)
• Reference Letters (2)
• Good knowledge of English (IELTS 6.5 level or equivalent) *
• Academic interview
• Photos (2)
• Copy of ID/ Passport
• Copy of criminal record

* Candidates without official English language certificates can take the English language placement test of Mediterranean College.

The MSc in Applied Psychology: Health Psychology and Counselling is designed to help students to work effectively as health psychologists with patients (and their significant others and caretakers) and other professionals, by acquiring the essential theoretical and empirical knowledge, as well as essential therapeutic counselling skills, emphasizing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to meet the profession’s demands. The programme covers psychological theories of health and illness, stressing the importance of health promotion, risk prevention and behavior change. The programme also stresses the importance of empirical evidence, legislation, ethics and related contexts (e.g. social, political) and health related policies.

The programme consists of six (6) 20-credit modules and the postgraduate dissertation (60 credits).

Via the “Therapeutic Counselling Skills in Action” module, students will take part in supervised placement and gain practical experience in an appropriate applied setting to supplement their learning on the programme. It will be the students’ responsibility to secure a placement and satisfy any requirements of that placement, however the College will support students in finding a suitable placement. Students need to accumulate a minimum total of 100 placement hours and 20 supervision hours.

Why Choose this Course

• A unique programme focusing on the applications of health psychology, while simultaneously enriching students’ therapeutic counselling skills.
• In-depth knowledge with a combination of two fields of study: health psychology and counselling, focusing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Development of an awareness of the application and contribution of health psychology in health promotion and disease prevention
• Development of professional and transferable skills in becoming a health psychologist
• Rooted in the local framework whilst acknowledging European and global frameworks, contexts and legislations.
• This programme is an MSc (Master of Science) and not an MA (Master of Arts), which makes it less theoretical and more practical.
• High-quality teaching from experienced academics and active professionals
• Access to a fully-equipped observation suite (with a one-way mirror and audio-visual recording) appropriate for focus groups, interviews, role-playing and observational studies
• Personal development planning and links with continuing professional development and lifelong learning
• Rooted in practice with the use of real-life examples, case studies and placement
• Various methods of assessment
• Mediterranean is the College with the most experience and expertise in Greece in the delivery of higher education courses in Psychology and Counselling and offers multiple level study options: from Level 5 Higher National Diploma to Level 7 Master’s Degrees.
• The University of Derby (Guardian University Guide 2020) is a TOP-26 UK University and in the TOP-10 for student employability. This stems from constantly developing the curriculum, as directed by employers, professional and accreditation bodies.
• All academic staff are accredited lecturers of the University of Derby for every module they teach. Mediterranean College implements an integrated recruitment system, assessment and continuing professional development of academic staff, in order for the students to receive excellent teaching and personal support for the development of their social and professional skills.
• The School of Psychology offers students the opportunity to attend – alongside their studies – specialized seminars on the use of psychometric tools, offered by ISON Psychometrica (a leading company in Greece). Students can also attend certified training courses in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Clinical Diagnosis – Assessment.

Graduates of this programme can work in a range of settings, such as:

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Health promotion / Illness Prevention Programmes
• As Researchers
• NGOs
• Health sector settings
• As private practitioners
• Alternatively, they can continue their studies towards a PhD or work abroad.

The programme consists of six (6) 20-credit modules and the postgraduate dissertation (60 credits).

Via the “Therapeutic Counselling Skills in Action” module, students will take part in supervised placement and gain practical experience in an appropriate applied setting to supplement their learning on the programme. It will be the students’ responsibility to secure a placement and satisfy any requirements of that placement, however the College will support students in finding a suitable placement. Students need to accumulate a minimum total of 100 placement hours and 20 supervision hours.